THE owner of a controversial ‘bar’ on Farnham has applied for a licence to sell alcohol and play live music in order to “prove a point”.

THE owner of a controversial ‘bar’ on Farnham has applied for a licence to sell alcohol and play live music in order to “prove a point”.

Innsatiable, officially a furniture shop, has operated unlicensed since it opened in July because it gives away ‘free’ alcohol to customers who buy a beer mat.

Owner Simon Atkins said the licence application was about proving a point and denied he was giving in to pressure from those who have opposed the shop’s business model.

He said: “This is all about proving a point to the big breweries and pub franchises. Some companies act like a premises licence costs thousands and thousands and thousands of pounds and that’s why they keep their prices so high.

“We decided to get a licence so everyone could see exactly how little it changes a business like ours. The prices will be the same, if not cheaper.”

Even with a licence, Innsatiable’s business model, where the customers are served free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and given the option to buy a beermat or any other item of furniture, will remain unchanged.

He said: “Table service, beer mats and obviously our retail element – all of this is part of what we are and will stay the same. We’ll continue to function in exactly the same way. Nothing changes how we’re doing it.”

Last month, South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt wrote to the Home Office about the licensing loophole, asking if it could be addressed.

Mr Hunt admitted in a statement the business owner was doing nothing illegal, but he stated concerns from residents on the impact of such a business Farnham’s pub trade.

When asked if Jeremy Hunt’s letter to the Home Office affected his decision to apply for a licence, Mr Atkins replied: “Absolutely not.”

He added: “He knows and I know it would take them between three and five years to bring legislation in to stop people like myself giving away free alcohol and that’s only if they can be bothered to try and change it. His letter made not a bit of difference to us, this is all about proving a point.”

Since it opened, Innsatiable has attracted criticism for the way it operates, with residents concerned the cheap drinks on offer could negatively affect other pubs in the area and landlords angry at the way the system has been circumvented.

The premises application submitted to Waverley Borough Council is for alcohol sales from 10.00am to 1.30am on Monday to Saturday and 10am to 10.30pm on Sunday.

Additionally, the ‘bar’ has applied for a licence to be able to play recorded music from noon until midnight Monday to Saturday and noon until 11pm on Sunday as well as live music from 7pm until midnight Monday to Thursday and noon until 11pm on Sunday.

The cost of a premises licence depends on the rateable value of the property. In Innsatiable’s case, a premises licence will cost about £190.